Sarsfieldstown Cross facts for kids
Sarsfieldstown Cross is an old stone cross in County Meath, Ireland. It's a special type of monument called a wayside cross. This means it was built by the side of a road or path. It is also a National Monument, which means it's protected by the government because it's very important to Ireland's history.
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Location | Sarsfieldstown, Julianstown County Meath, Ireland |
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Coordinates | 53°39′14″N 6°15′27″W / 53.653951°N 6.257573°W |
Type | Wayside cross |
History | |
Founded | 1480–1513 |
Designation | National Monument |
Contents
Where to Find Sarsfieldstown Cross
Sarsfieldstown Cross is located in County Meath, Ireland. You can find it about 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) southwest of a town called Laytown. It stands in a quiet area, reminding people of its long history.
What is Sarsfieldstown Cross?
Sarsfieldstown Cross is a very old stone cross. It was built in the late 1500s. People put it up to remember an important person named Christopher Barnewall. He lived from 1522 to 1575.
The Cross's Design
Today, only part of the cross remains. It is a piece of the main pillar, called a shaft. This shaft has carvings on it. These carvings are like sculptures that stick out a little from the stone. There is also writing on the cross.
The Latin Message
The writing on the cross is in Latin, an ancient language. It is carved around the bottom of the cross. The message asks people to say prayers for certain individuals.
The inscription says: "Archbishop Octavian, who was the top church leader in Ireland, has given a special promise. This promise is for anyone who truly feels sorry for their mistakes. If they say an 'Our Father' and a 'Hail Mary' prayer, they will receive a special blessing forever. This is for the souls of Christopher Barnewall, his wife Elizabeth Plunket, and all faithful people who have passed away."
This kind of cross was often used in the past to mark important places or to honor people. It also served as a reminder for people to pray.